Help installing springs

[Eliteracingghmi]

OK, this may sound crazy, but how come none of the walkthroughs (even shop manuals), mention installing the strut assemblies with the spring compressors still on. Is there a reason for this? I can't get my front assemblies back in the car with and without the compressors. Another thought is this: Does it matter if I do the passenger side, then the driver side? Or, do I have to do the front suspension, then the rear? This suspension work is getting to be worse than a root canal, it's almost as bad as a clutch install! Any help would be appreciated.

 

[SlowSpyder]

You dont need spring compressors to reinstall the strut assembly. Why exactly wont it go back in? The bolt holes on the strut wont line up with the holes on the knuckle? If thats the case the loosely bolt the upper strut mount to the car and push down on the knuckle while trying to line up the holes on the strut. Replacing struts should be a fairly easy and strait forward job.

 

[Eliteracingghmi]

The knuckle won't line up, and it's not even close. That's why I was wondering if how the car was jacked up made a difference. Right now, the passenger side of the car is jacked up. Does this matter?